When Deep Space Nine kicked off its second season, it did so with a Star Trek first: a three-part story. It was essentially a proof of concept for what DS9 would become. It added some much-needed depth to the series and explored the underlying issues facing Sisko as he carried out his mission of preparing Bajor for admission into the Federation. With a mix of religion, government infighting, corruption, and isolationism, the Circle Trilogy—comprised of “The Homecoming,” “The Circle,” and “The Siege”—is an early preview of the greatness to come for Deep Space Nine. In this episode of The Ready Room we’re joined by Tristan Riddell to discuss this three-parter and its place within the Star Trek universe.

In news we cover new Star Trek artwork from Bye Bye Robot and Jeff Foster, a joint KRE-O stop-motion animation project between Hasbro and Bad Robot, an extra-special featurette on the TNG Season One Blu-ray, the sale of the original Shuttle Galileo, and your chance to buy—yes buy—Armin Shimmerman. Plus we examine Greg’s iMessage stream of consciousness while watching Star Trek Generations.